Jennifer Lynn (Shaw) [Anderson] Leigh (November 4, 1975 ~ April 1, 2013) Jennifer Lynn Leigh was born in Fairmont, Minnesota, on November 4, 1975, to Scott and Trudy (Cornelius) Shaw. She has a loving younger brother, Nicholas. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Jen grew up in Clarkfield, Minnesota. At the age of 15 1/2, Jen and her family moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where she graduated from Mayo High School. She graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. She taught chemistry at O'Gorman Catholic High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jen married Brent Anderson July 20, 2002, and lost him three years later to heart transplant complications. She married her husband Jason in Alaska on June 3, 2008. Jen had the privilege of being mom to her foster son, Jerell. Through the grace of God, Jen found her purpose in life, teaching her kids. Her mission was to make science fun so that each and every student she taught would be able to understand the world of Science. The lake was her 'peace place.' A place where family and friends could be together. She loved to spend time with her nieces, Brynn and Eve, turning on her tunes so they could dance, with the favorite song being "We Are Family." Jen spent her final days at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends. Jesus called Jen home on Monday, April 1, 2013, at the age of 37 years, 4 months and 29 days. She is survived by her husband Jason, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; mom and dad, Scott and Trudy Shaw of Rochester, Minnesota; brother, Nick Shaw, wife, Gwen and nieces, Brynn and Eve of St. Rosa, Minnesota; grandparents, Bonnie Shaw and Allen Cornelius both from Clarkfield; Godmother, Maribeth McMullen, Port Richie, Florida; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, Ramona Cornelius and Dean Shaw; uncle Mike Shaw; cousins, Amy Long and Joey Cornelius; and Brent Anderson. If Jen could speak she would say: "Life is short, so love like there is no tomorrow, have compassion for people less fortunate than you, be happy and laugh often. But above all know that God is always there for you." Blessed be her memory. The family thanks every one for the tremendous outpouring of love and support shown them at this time. Thank you for your prayers, hugs and remembrances. A special thank you to all who assisted with the service, especially Pastor Gwen, Joan Lundell, Loren and Rachel, the casket bearers and Clarkfield Lutheran Church, its staff and WELCA. In 'lieu of flowers' please direct memorials to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation. In Loving Memory of Jennifer (Shaw) Leigh Visitation Friday, April 5, 2013 ~ 12:00-1:30 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, April 5, 2013 ~ 1:30 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Gwen Boike (United Methodist Church of Montevideo) Organist, Joan Lundell Congregational Hymns "How Great Thou Art!" "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Special Music Rachel Aus, "Wind Beneath My wings" Loren Norgaard, "The Lord's Prayer" (Accompanied by Diane Norgaard) Speakers Amanda Lawstuen Angie Lynch (O'Gorman Catholic High School) Honorary Casket Bearer Joshua Cornelius Casket Bearers Jason Aus ~ Mitch Garrison Jason Lewison ~ David Norgaard Ryan Renneke ~ Daniel Ruzicka Final Resting Place Clarkfield City Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota